[STORM Series] What is the White Light Standard Setting?

For the STORM 80c, 1000c, and 1200x, white light output can be calibrated to either Blackbody or CIE Daylight.

With the release of the STORM 80c, 1000c, and 1200x, Aputure introduces an advanced feature for professionals who demand precise white light rendering: White Light Standard Selection. This setting allows users to choose between two calibration models — Blackbody and CIE Daylight — each offering different benefits depending on production needs.

Blackbody

A Blackbody emitter is an object that outputs all color frequencies when energy is applied to it. This is known as incandescence. When a Blackbody has greater energy applied it will burn at a higher temperature, causing it to shift the balance of emitted color frequencies from longer wavelengths (reds) to more short wavelengths (blues), hence the term Correlated Color Temperature (CCT).  Corresponding amounts of green and other frequencies are also emitted. The tracking path of this shift is known as the Planckian Locus, or Blackbody Curve. A mathematical model can be used to determine these colors.

Aputure lights have traditionally followed the Blackbody Curve, as have most LED manufacturers. This is important when matching to other light sources on set.

CIE Daylight

CIE Daylight calibration is based on real-world daylight measurements defined by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE). This standard is used globally for color science, imaging, and visual calibration. It more closely mimics natural daylight by accounting for both the color temperature of sunlight and how passing through our atmosphere affects it.

While the Blackbody Curve follows a theoretical, mathematically-derived path, the CIE Daylight Curve takes into account that we live on planet Earth, and our atmosphere scatters light, slightly shifting the color frequencies. The result is a slight increase in the strength of green frequencies. As sunlight is the only source strong enough to be noticeably altered by the Earth’s atmosphere, the two curves match one another at lower CCTs. From 4000K to 5000K, the CIE Daylight Curve transitions slightly greener, and from 5000K up the two curves run in parallel paths, with CIE Daylight consistently slightly greener than Blackbody. The duv (distance from the Blackbody Curve) for CIE Daylight is +0.0032, which equates to about +1/8 Green correction on a color meter. In the real world, the difference between true daylight and the Blackbody Curve can vary depending on altitude and atmospheric conditions.

CIE Daylight mode produces more accurate daylight, even if it looks slightly green compared to traditional LEDs.

When to use Blackbody or CIE Daylight

• Blackbody: When it is important to match other lights including most older LEDs, these fixtures are generally calibrated to the Blackbody Curve.
• CIE Daylight: When matching natural daylight, the CIE Daylight mode should require less adjustment.

How to Set White Light Standard on STORM Fixtures

To switch between CIE Daylight and Blackbody modes:

1. Go to the Main Menu
   
2. Navigate to System Settings
   
3. Select White Light Standard
   
4. Choose:
   
   • CIE Daylight
     
   • Blackbody
     

This simple setting lets you optimize your white point for any shooting environment.

Final Thoughts

The STORM series marks Aputure’s first generation of lights to meet international daylight standards while still offering backward compatibility for older workflows. Whether you're lighting for natural realism or matching a studio’s existing gear, the ability to switch between CIE Daylight and Blackbody standards is a powerful tool for professional-grade lighting control.

So if your 5600K looks a little greener than you’re used to—that’s not a mistake. That’s daylight, as it truly exists.